SCHOOL REPORT FROM JULY – SEPTEMBER 2023

School nurse Sister Grace has been helping pupils of the Waterberg with learning problems by addressing social issues. “These include poverty, family crises, abuse, sexual abuse leading to unwanted pregnancy, gender-based violence, menstrual issues, and undisciplined learners attitude to fellow school mates and teachers.”

She reports, “My presence in surrounding schools has eased the pressure of teachers being disturbed during class. I have created a solid relationship with students who are free to come to me whenever they need help. Serious matters are referred to relevant stakeholders.” If she has a problem with students coming to school under the influence of drugs and alcohol or sees knives being brought to school, the Victim Support Unit at the local police station are notified.

“I have seen positive changes after facilitating health and safety,” Sister Grace says.

Thanks go to TWT donors who finance this sterling work. If you would like to make a donation, we have a Justigivng site and list other ways of getting involved on this website here.

PROGRESS:

•  Grade10 learners from the Waterberg district participated in a Public Speaking Competition held at Lapalala Wilderness School on 23^rd September 2023. Students spoke on the impact, challenges and possible solutions to end rhino poaching in South Africa.
• Junior students in grade 8 & 9 received IT tablets and data, enabling them to access the internet gain access to online studies.
• The Matric students had their trial exams in preparation for their finals.
• Learners continue to take extra classes and catch up on their schoolwork.
• School clubs are doing well such as the Spelling Bee and the School Initiative Educational Club, which aims to address issues faced by learners and suggest possible solutions.

CHALLENGES:

• Inadequate resources in Government schools such as poor sanitation and rundown classrooms with broken windows, cracked floors and loose doors.
• Relocation of teachers to other schools.
• Poor communication between parents, stakeholders and school management.
• Teenage pregnancy remains a huge problem with teenage mums returning to school a week after delivery, against school policy.

Masifunde Learner Development, an organization partnered with the Department of Education, implements programs for school safety to deal with social issues arising in schools.

Each school chose five learners as representatives and game changers who were trained and are able to share with fellow students about findings within their social environment.

All learners attend classes on life orientation topics such as nutrition, careers, physical education and the environment.     

TOTAL LEARNERS WHO CONSULTED INDIVIDUALLY = 136

Pregnant – 9 (3 Meetsetshehla & 5 Leseding High School, 1 from Mokolo primary)

Referred for contraceptives – 37 (accessed different methods of birth control) 

Adherence Counseling – 15 (those taking ARV’s, antidepressants & anti-epileptics)

Medical issues – 20 (Asthma, acid reflux, conjunctivitis, dental infection and tonsillitis)

Minor Ailments – 45 (menstrual pain, headaches, allergic rash, sports injury, cough & rhinitis)

Social Issues – 10 (No food at home, poor family support, alcoholic parents, fighting at school)

BELOW ARE POINTS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE GAME CHANGERS CLUB

• Improved learning and safe environment in schools
• To upgrade classroom with heaters in winter as they get very cold
• To ensure teachers are present during their allocated period (We noticed an increase in teacher absenteeism)
• To address issues of gender inequality
• To improve and protect learners from bullying and abuse
• To empower learners with knowledge and skills during academic periods
• To engage with various physical sporting activities to keep fit

Many thanks to TWT donors supporting Sister Grace and volunteers at the Northern Education Trust who back up her work.